England ace says there is ‘always pressure’ to keep Lionesses’ number nine shirt

ELLEN WHITE admits pressure to smash in the goals is hotting up as the Lionesses take on Norway at Brighton’s Amex Stadium tonight.

But England’s record scorer insists there is more to the role than just finding the net — as skipper Kane showed at last summer’s men’s tournament.

The Tottenham superstar, 28, failed to score in the group stage but struck four times in three games during the knockout phase as England reached the final.

White has 50 goals in 108 international appearances but has not scored for the Lionesses since April.

The Manchester City ace, 33, said: “There’s always pressure to keep the jersey and the No 9 role.

“It’s not just all about scoring, it’s what you bring to the team.

“What Harry Kane did in the Euros was incredible. He’s a massive talent, phenomenal.

We’ve got some great wingers and midfielders and I’ve got to be in the right place at the right time.

“That’s where, hopefully, you see the benefits of all the training I’ve done.

“It’s about being the most hard-working player on the team, whether that is with my movement, letting someone else get on the ball but, ultimately, my job is to score goals.

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“I will do everything I can to help this team, I’ve always said that.”

England’s duel with Norway will see them come up against WSL stars Maren Mjelde and Guro Reiten from Chelsea and White’s City team-mate Julie Blakstad.

They are also likely to face one of Europe’s most feared forwards — the first women’s Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, who turned 27 yesterday.

The Lyon striker is back in action following her five-year international boycott over how her country’s FA treated the women’s game.

White said: “You want to see the best players playing in these tournaments, playing against the best of the best.”

England’s game comes a few days after players shared concerns with kit maker Nike about wearing white shorts during their periods.

White added: “It’s important we are talking about it so we can make it easier for women.”